The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have taken the lead in promoting financial literacy and empowering retail investors during the global IOSCO World Investor Week, held from October 7-13, 2024.
This year’s theme, “Technology, Digital Finance, and Sustainable Finance,” highlighted the growing importance of technology and sustainability in modern finance.
The week kicked off with a financial literacy seminar at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, hosted by NGX Group and the Financial Literacy Technical Committee of SEC.
Hundreds of students attended, eager to learn about the fundamentals of investing. This set the stage for a series of impactful engagements aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions.
Following the seminar, the NGX Retail Investor Clinic provided practical insights into capital market strategies from industry experts. This clinic offered valuable information on navigating the complex world of finance.
The week’s events culminated in the symbolic “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” ceremony, leveraging the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony to emphasize ongoing efforts to educate and empower retail investors.
Over 200 participants attended, including representatives from institutions like the Nigerian Higher Education Foundation, the University of Lagos, and GFA Technologies.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of SEC, emphasized the importance of investor protection and regulatory oversight in fostering trust.
“Our mission is to safeguard investor interests while promoting informed participation,” he said. Temi Popoola, GMD/CEO of NGX Group, stressed the Group’s leadership in using technology to drive sustainable finance and innovation.
Jude Chiemeka, CEO of NGX, reiterated the importance of investor education, stating, “By equipping individuals with the right tools, we’re building a more secure and resilient investment ecosystem.”
Other notable contributions included remarks from Femi Shobanjo, CEO of NGX RegCo, on the Exchange’s self-regulatory mandate, and Adedayo Hamzat, GMD of Zedcrest Group, who advocated for technology-driven portfolio diversification.
Abimbola Babalola, Head of Trading and Products at NGX, shared insights on leveraging research and technology for smarter investing, while Dabota Ordor, Head of Retail and Digital Services at United Capital Securities, provided strategies for financial planning, budgeting, and risk management to mitigate market risks.
The week-long activities, executed in collaboration with partners such as United Capital Securities, Zedcrest Group, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), demonstrated a collective effort to create a more informed, resilient, and empowered retail investor community.
This collaborative approach underscores the commitment of NGX Group, SEC, and other market operators to advancing financial literacy and promoting sustainable finance in Nigeria.
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